Nov. 25, 2013

Note: Archived materials may contain broken links.

We have a lot to be thankful for at the University of Idaho. The Idaho State Board of Education on Monday introduced our 18th president, Dr. Chuck Staben. He will start March 1 with a three-year contract.

The University has clearly gained a proven leader. Dr. Staben comes to us most recently after serving as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of South Dakota, a position he has held since 2008. He holds a doctoral degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Staben comes on board as the University looks to mark several milestones, with the anticipated conclusion of the Inspiring Futures capital campaign, the state’s largest ever fundraising effort, and with the 125th anniversary of the University in 2014.

We may have a new president steering the flagship come March, but we can't overlook the leader who got us to this point. Don Burnett took on the position of interim president June 1. During his humble servitude, he has worked to promote interdisciplinary research, stabilize the budget and focus on student safety. We can rest assured Staben's transition will be a smooth one under Burnett's guidance.

Speaking of guidance, many alumni can proudly say they know Bruce Pitman '75, dean of students and vice provost for Student Affairs for more than 30 years. Pitman recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the NASPA Foundation for his work at the university. Read more in today's newsletter.

As we enjoy the holiday season, let us rejoice in the influences these leaders have had on each of us and the impressions we've left on our alma mater. Together, we're shaping a wonderful legacy.

Save the Date: The University of Idaho will celebrate its 125th anniversary starting Jan. 22 in Boise with a dinner and social at the Grove Hotel. Events will also be held in Moscow Jan. 30, in
Coeur d'Alene July 24 and in Idaho Falls Sept. 25. View the complete calendar.

Building his career block by block, Chuck Staben has found his capstone as the recently named 18th president of the University of Idaho.

“I love what the University of Idaho has to offer, and I am extremely excited to serve the students, faculty, and staff and see where we can go together,” says Staben. “I love the mountains; I love the West; I feel like this is home.”

There is one man on the University of Idaho campus who has seen tens of thousands of students, 10 UI presidents and more winning football seasons than most other Vandal fans can even imagine.

Bruce Pitman '75, dean of students and vice provost for Student Affairs, started his career at UI in 1973 and recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the NASPA Foundation for his work at the university.

“I felt honored and humbled … it is certainly a pleasure to receive recognition from your peers,” Pitman said.

Awards for Excellence Winners Announced54 students honored for academic success and professionalism

Each year, the University of Idaho office of Alumni Relations invites faculty and staff to nominate graduate, law and senior-level students for the Award for Excellence. This year, 150 nominations were scored by a team of alumni, retirees, faculty and staff, and 54 students were selected. View this year's leaders in the classroom, laboratory, campus and community.

The core technology of 2012 graduates Joshua Riley and Tushar Jain's new startup was developed at the University of Idaho - the technology to make anyone a brewmeister.

Using Tushar's Ph.D. research, The Bootlegger's Bottle significantly speeds up the fermentation process and can be used with fruit juices or other sugary liquids. They won the Vandal Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshop Business Plan Competition while at the university, and have continued their success in Boise. Their business, Ruckus Fermentation, began in 2012 in Nampa, Idaho.

Add a little silver and gold to this holiday season with Vandal Crest wine. Produced for the enjoyment of Vandal alumni and friends, the Vandal Crest Wine Program helps support student scholarships. Each bottle is produced and bottled at Camas Prairie Winery in Moscow, Idaho. The Camas Prairie Winery was established in 1983 and is North Idaho's oldest winery.